Every EPA site said the same thing about the main preservative in old railroad ties: “Creosote is a possible human carcinogen and has no registered residential use.” So it’s actually illegal to use old railroad ties in a home landscape. There are no approved residential uses of creosote treated wood.
Moreover, What can I use instead of railroad ties for landscaping?
Landscape timbers
Secondly, Are railroad ties dangerous?
Railroad ties are treated with chemical preservatives, such as creosote and chromated copper arsenate. Both of these chemicals are banned for residential use, and they’re potentially harmful to humans and plants. Make sure you understand the risks of using creosote railroad ties in your landscaping.
Simply so, Are railroad ties illegal to use?
Are they safe to eat now? A: The reason the EPA has made illegal the use of treated railroad ties in vegetable gardens is the fact that they are treated with coal tar creosote, a pesticide registered both with the EPA and the state of Oregon.
How much does a new railroad tie cost?
Replacement of railroad tie walls typically costs about $15-25/SF of wall.
27 Related Question Answers Found
How long do railroad ties last in landscaping?
10 to 20 years
Are railroad ties good for raised beds?
Gases released from creosote are also harmful in a closed space, so railroad ties should not be used in a greenhouse or indoors. Many other materials can be used for constructing a raised bed, so there is no reason to give up the idea.
How can I make my railroad ties look better?
A simple way to dress up new railroad ties (ones not treated with creosote) is through the use of paint. Clean the surface of the wood as best you can and allow it to dry thoroughly. Use a paint brush for a more crafty appeal, or a spray can for a smoother finish, and cover it in even coats.
Are railroad ties bad for gardens?
Using railroad ties for garden beds can pose a threat to your soil, pets and children, as well as the food you grow. The wood is preserved by soaking it in creosote, which is composed of over 300 chemicals, many of them toxic and persistent in soil. Exposure to creosote has been shown to cause cancer.
Are railroad ties legal for landscaping?
The EPA pulls no punches about the danger of railroad ties in gardens. Even though some home centers still sell recovered railroad ties, they are not fit for home landscapes. If your landscape came with ties installed by a previous owner, consider removing them and any contaminated soil.
Does CSX sell used railroad ties?
Railroad Ties CSX generally does not sell scrap materials directly to the general public. We have contracts with several companies that handle our scrap-removal services. If you wish to purchase scrap ties, contact National Salvage & Service Corporation at 1-800-769-8437.
Can you use railroad ties in your home?
When it comes to landscaping, railroad ties, it seems, can do it all. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that creosote, the chemical used to treat the ties, can be hazardous to your health and to the health of some plant life. Ties treated with creosote are not recommended for residential settings.
How do you remove railroad ties from your garden?
What can I use instead of railroad ties?
lumber
Do they still use creosote on railroad ties?
Railroad ties are treated with chemical preservatives, such as creosote and chromated copper arsenate. Both of these chemicals are banned for residential use, and they’re potentially harmful to humans and plants. Make sure you understand the risks of using creosote railroad ties in your landscaping.
How heavy is an 8 foot railroad tie?
They can range anywhere from 100 to 300 pounds. The majority of railroad ties weigh close to 200 pounds. Wood railroad ties are typically made from hardwoods like Oak. Because they are thick and are treated with Creosote or some other preservative, woodrailroad ties last for years.
Are used railroad ties free?
You can ask the railroad that owns those used railroad ties and ask if they would like to get rid of them, they might offer to sell them to you or maybe it’s your lucky day and you can get them for free.
Last Updated: 8 days ago – Co-authors : 12 – Users : 6
